Is swimming allowed at Clifty Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Clifty Falls.

Live Conditions · 333 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Clifty Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Clifty Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Clifty Falls.

Indiana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve SCA · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Gallopingphotog CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Clifty Falls

Clifty Falls plunges through a rugged limestone gorge in Clifty Falls State Park, offering a series of dramatic cascades—most notably Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls—that look their best after heavy rains or spring snowmelt. The waterfalls sit within the Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve and are managed by SPR, giving hikers a chance to explore steep, wooded canyon walls and scenic overlooks carved by the creek. The park’s compact, canyoned setting makes for intimate waterfall views that draw photographers and families alike. The falls are part of Clifty Falls State Park’s roughly 1,416 acres in Jefferson County, Indiana, about 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. The park attracts roughly 370,000 visitors annually and traces its origins to an October 27, 1920 gift of 570 acres from citizens of Madison at the suggestion of Richard Lieber. Visitors should come prepared for uneven terrain and bring good footwear to fully enjoy the cascades and canyon scenery preserved here by SPR.

The Setting

Clifty Falls sits at 709 feet within Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve, fed by the Indian Kentuck Creek, in the foothills of Indiana.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain; it’s rated moderate and features mixed surfaces—rocky dirt paths, steep inclines, and wooded singletrack—so expect some uneven footing and short, steep sections. The trail follows the canyon toward the falls with several viewpoints and shorter spur trails that get you closer to the water; Trail 2 and Trail 5 are popular options for up-close waterfall access. Managed within the Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve (SPR), the route is best suited to hikers comfortable with moderate grades and variable trail surfaces.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Clifty Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $7.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Clifty Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to rain and snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of cliffs or waterfalls. Poison ivy is common in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 13 minutes ago Roaring

333 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 15 43

Based on 56 years of record

5.09 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

INDIAN-KENTUCK CREEK NEAR CANAAN, IN

USGS 03291780

12.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 28 sq mi

Altitude: 588 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge INDIAN-KENTUCK CREEK NEAR CANAAN, IN (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

15 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

17 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

13 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

14 cfs

10/10

Tue

Strong

11 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

12 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

12 cfs

10/10

Fri

Roaring

14 cfs

6/10

Best window: Mon — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Madison hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison, Indiana. The park entrance is accessible via State Road 62. Visitors can follow park signage to reach the main parking areas and trailheads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at multiple locations within the park, including near the main trailheads and picnic areas.

Elevation

709 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.766448° N, -85.436348° W

Land Management

Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve SCA

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be rocky or uneven. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before visiting.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.